New students arrived at St John’s in Marlborough this week at the start of the Autumn term wearing new uniforms as part of the school’s look good, work hard ethos.

The new uniform with jackets for all students and clip on ties for boys is compulsory for all Year 7s who have moved up to St John’s School from primary school while existing students have a year to make the change from the old navy sweatshirts.

Headteacher Dr Patrick Hazlewood said there had been no objections by parents either to the style of the new uniform or to the cost of about £50.

He said: “Parents are extremely supportive of the new dress code and 93 per cent of our Year 7 to 10 students will be wearing the new uniform when they return this week.”

Sixth form students are also expected to smarten up their dress in the light of the new uniform by not wearing ripped jeans or short skirts.